Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Dress Bustles

When it comes to wedding dress alterations, one term you'll often come across is "bustle." But what exactly is a bustle, and why is it important to hire an expert who knows how to bustle your wedding gown? In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about wedding dress bustles.

What is a wedding dress bustle?

A bustle is a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons used to lift and secure the train of a wedding dress, allowing the bride to move more freely and comfortably during the reception. Bustles are particularly useful for gowns with long trains, as they prevent the train from dragging on the ground and getting dirty, or getting in the way while you dance the night away.

Off Beet Productions | Coordinator Long Island Bridal Attendant

Do all wedding dresses come with bustles?

Most wedding dresses don’t come with bustles already on the dress. Bustles are often added during the alterations process based on the style, length, and design of the dress. Your seamstress or tailor will assess your gown and should discuss the bustle options with you. They will be able to determine the most suitable style and create the bustle based on your specific dress.

What are the most common bustle styles?

There are various types of bustles available, and the right choice depends on the style and design of your dress. Here are a few common types:

Overbustle: This style lifts the train up and attaches it to the outside of the gown, often creating a beautiful cascading effect. It is achieved by securing the train with buttons, hooks, or ribbons to corresponding points on the back of the gown.

Underbustle: Also known as a French bustle, this style lifts the train from underneath the gown, creating an elegant gathered look. The train is secured with hooks or ribbons to discreet points on the underskirt or lining.

Ballroom bustle: Ideal for full, voluminous gowns, this style creates an evenly draped effect by lifting the train in multiple places and securing it with a series of hooks or buttons.

When it comes to bustle alterations, it's crucial to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor. They will assess your gown's fabric, design, and train length to determine the most suitable bustle style. It's recommended to schedule a fitting with your seamstress to discuss your options and ensure a perfect fit.

Are bustles permanent - can you undo them?

Remember that the bustle is not a permanent alteration to your gown. It can be easily undone after the wedding day, restoring the original train length for preservation or sentimental purposes.

When is your wedding dress bustled?

Your wedding dress is typically bustled after pictures but before the reception - the beginning of cocktail hour is usually the best time to do it. This will prevent your train from getting dirty as you walk around to greet your guests. If you feel very adamant about keeping your train down during cocktail hour and through your first dance, we can definitely make that happen. Let us know and we’ll discuss your options! 

CK Mont Photo / Coordinator Long Island Bridal Attendant

How do you bustle a dress?

Bustling a dress can vary depending on the gown's design and the chosen bustle style. It's essential to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor who has experience with wedding dress alterations. They will provide guidance on the best bustle option for your dress and demonstrate how to secure it properly. 

Bustling can be complicated if you’ve never done it before, or even if you have: every dress is unique. We ask all our brides for a video from their seamstress, and have handy tools and supplies with us to help secure your dress.

How long does it take to bustle a wedding dress?

The time required to bustle a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors, including the dress's complexity and the chosen bustle style. On average, it can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to properly secure the bustle, depending on the skill of the person doing the bustling as well as the complexity of your chosen style. 

Get in touch with us about our bridal attendant services on our contact page!